Tiger State or Graveyard? MP Sees 11 Tiger Deaths in Early 2026, Raising Alarm

• Madhya Pradesh, known as the 'Tiger State' with 785 tigers, faces scrutiny as 11 tigers died in the first 45 days of 2026.
• A 3-year-old male tiger died suspiciously in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, marking the second death in Sagar in 48 days.
• Tiger deaths in MP have steadily increased over the past five years, from 34 in 2021 to 54 in 2025, totaling 225.
• Reasons cited for deaths include road accidents, poisoning, electrocution, and territorial fights, despite crores in budget for reserves.
• Experts call for strengthened field monitoring, surprise inspections, robust informant networks, and strict action against negligence to protect tigers.